Enable JavaScript to get the best experience.

BWalnut forum posts in last 60 days

Show Edits

BWalnut

Reply in Topic: AFS Fuselage

BWalnut

1071 posts

Tuesday,

24 Feb 2026 6:13am

Short vs standard to me is a question of pitch vs roll.

The short is essential for foils with larger spans. Enduro 900 and bigger IMO.

I very much prefer the pitch stable experience that comes with the standard fuse that focuses your riding on roll.

I ride small tails, small foils, and the short chorded AFS masts and have not found any situation where I have wanted the short fuse to go into my riding.

Reply in Topic: Advice please: Should I downsize yet? Also, Armstrong ML vs Sunova and # litres?

BWalnut

1071 posts

19 Feb 2026 7:31am

Select to expand quote

DrRog said..
Hey. Looking for some advice from the brains trust on my next board.

I'm 75kg. I wing on two Sunova boards; a 6'4" x 24" = 99.6L Aviator (as my go-to) and a 7'6"x20"=113L 2003 DW (for light wind or when I'm pretending to be able to downwind! lol). In terms of skill level, I can ride normal and goofy but my switches are crap, I can get more gybes than not (only in normal stance, both sides) in flat water on my S1 set up (1550 front, 300 stab) and 1350APF, but on my HAv2 1080 w/ 180 stab I manage less of them. My toe side is okay but nailing my switches and riding heel side would be better. Not tacks yet. My pumping game isn't great (I've relied mostly on speed over water to get up but have managed to pump through some short lulls). History of surfing so aim is to also ride waves and DW.

Question 1: At this stage, should I be looking at getting a board of 75L +/- 5L ? Or, should I just save my cash and dial in my gybes and switches before downsizing?

When I downsize, I've been thinking of getting a mid-length Sunova or Army. Army's are too expensive new-I could stretch to getting one used or a new or a new/used Sunova ML.

Question 2: Is there an appreciable difference between them?

Thanks guys.

In theory, if you were to get a smaller board, why would you be choosing to do so? What's your goal with that change?

Can you go out and spend an entire session just doing foot switches just to get over the hump? That's the best way to move on from that struggle IMO. Go out with no intention of surfing or having fun. Just do switches until you get tired and then come in and take a break before you go back out for your fun sesh.

I prefer Sunova, it would be hard to get me to change away from them since it's so affordable to have customs made. I disliked the raised portions of an Armstrong board and am so picky about my dims that I never cared for those boards. Plenty of people like both though.

Reply in Topic: What makes a "perfect" review for you.

BWalnut

1071 posts

18 Feb 2026 1:50am

As long as all the rider and location details are disclosed clearly a "room for improvement" section is nice. It's gotta be clarified with the why to be valid.

Reply in Topic: What makes a "perfect" review for you.

BWalnut

1071 posts

17 Feb 2026 11:45am

How hard would it be for us all to collab on a review template? Something that anyone could use to plug in their experiences and create a re-usable form that we all recognize so that we can all contribute similar info on reviews?

Reply in Topic: Ditching the wing for the wang in 2026

BWalnut

1071 posts

17 Feb 2026 12:39am

If you just want to cruise, I think the larger parawings can be super fun. I don't own large wings or large parawings (4m or larger) but if I were to buy a new one today it would be a parawing. I like that the sail is away from my body and the casual hooked in sailing with the hook slid off to the side and nothing blocking your view reminds me of kiting, it's sublime.

If you were to say that you liked doing tons of powerful wing maneuvers I'd say no, don't get a parawing. For pleasure cruising though, I'd expect you'll have fun.

Wing vs para swell riding is just different, neither is easier IMO.

Reply in Topic: What makes a "perfect" review for you.

BWalnut

1071 posts

16 Feb 2026 6:42am

Good stuff!

Does this list sum it up? I agree with pretty much everything folks said. Added a few comments in there:
- Rider details.
- Location and setting.
- Technical notes.
- Insight.
- Spare the hype.
* I think this is critical for credibility. If each product is the ultimate everything I lose faith in the reviewer.
- Comparisons.
- I want more of this too.
- Critical feedback.
- Balanced video, image, written content.
- Disclosures.
* I think I'm good about mentioning this when I do reviews, but I also have this statement on my site: www.wouzel.com/ambassadorship I get asked about this all the time.
- Pro/con summaries.
- Average Joes in average conditions commentary.
* Working on one right now with comments from riders around the world which is fun. I'd like to keep doing this in the future. I'd also like to do collaborative reviews with people in the future.
- Too small bikinis.

What else?

Reply in Topic: How does board choice affect swell glide and pumping?

BWalnut

1071 posts

16 Feb 2026 6:13am

Weight: Lighter pumps better.
Shape: Narrow pumps better (your energy input is in line with the mast)
Length: Shorter pumps better.
Stiffer pumps better.

Also...
Mast: Stiffer with carbon core and deeper chord pumps better.
Tail: UHA tails glide better, so you pump less.

Just don't forget that it's not all about the pump. You want to have fun with the board and be maneuverable for your style. The goal should be to get so good at positioning that you have minimal pumping.

Reply in Topic: Parwing line tangle

BWalnut

1071 posts

16 Feb 2026 6:07am

In comparison to other lines, yes the pocket rocket lines are more prone to tangles. However, you may come to find, like me, that you appreciate the suppleness of the lines vs the abrasive nature of others down the road. You're line management has to be top notch with the pocket rockets, especially the big ones to keep your tangles away.

Over time, you'll also get better at line management and untangling. Most tangles really are just a moment or two to fix, but you have to know how to untangle and why you got tangled in the first place to get those quick turnarounds.

Packdown technique to prevent tangles:

?si=CBggyvOccqrH5JIw

You may also want to sleeve your leash if you are using coils, that's an issue for all lines though:

?si=NoPdU-QXXtJQ3771

Topic: What makes a "perfect" review for you.

BWalnut

1071 posts

14 Feb 2026 4:05am

I've been thinking a lot about how we all likely desire something a little different from reviews. Radical footage, technical details, honest assessments, critical feedback, average Joe reports. There's a wide spectrum of information that can be included.

Personally, I lean hard on technical elements. Shapes, dimensions, setup details. Leaning on the numbers at the start strips away the marketing hype and gives me something objective to solidify my thought on. I also put a lot of value in review duration. Ideally 500 miles (800km) for any comprehensive review. 1000 miles (1600km) is even better as I think longer reviews reveal durability, as well as the little quirks and nuanced tricks that can only be found with time on foil in a variety of conditions.

I put less value in ride footage. I want to know the riders dims and style but beyond that I rarely see meaningful changes in ride footage from one video to the next of the same foiler.

I'm curious where others land. What makes a review truly valuable to you, and what is just noise?

Reply in Topic: Board repair thoughts?

BWalnut

1071 posts

13 Feb 2026 4:19am

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'm inclined to leave it be if it doesn't get worse. I kinda expected I might see a small change after a few sessions It doesn't seem to be taking on water, did a soapy water test too, no bubbles that I could see. I can tape it for extra security short term as well. I doubt I could do a beautiful repair under any circumstance so hearing that this is likely a challenge anyway makes me think I should leave it be. Probably wont get another session in with it until March so there's no rush to address it at the moment. I've got backup boards too if need be.

Reply in Topic: Board repair thoughts?

BWalnut

1071 posts

12 Feb 2026 12:05am

I don't think it's taking on water, at least not yet. The white bubble isn't foam, but seems to be a tiny delam? It is raised and soft.

Select to expand quote

Subsonic said..
If problem B appeared all by itself after problem A happened a while ago, i'd say that warrants some further investigation.

This is my larger concern. problem A was disappointing and I've been keeping an eye on it closely to see if it gets worse and now problem B has shown up. I simply don't know enough about how damage occurs and can or cannot propagate in boards.

Reply in Topic: New AFS Tails

BWalnut

1071 posts

11 Feb 2026 4:08am

My review of the UG41. Anxious to get more time on the UG39 and am hoping AFS decides to drop a UC120 this spring.

?si=SPAOecxyYUoj1nmK

Topic: Board repair thoughts?

BWalnut

1071 posts

11 Feb 2026 4:06am

This is my new board that got tossed into a curb by a 40 knot gust a few months ago.
Bottom right discoloration was what happened with the initial hit. Mid left, the little half moon bubble has just started a few weeks later. This is up at the nose of the board. Everything is still water tight. Is this something I should try to repair asap? Or let it go for a while? I'm not a board builder but am not opposed to DIY repairs if this is a good one to try.

Reply in Topic: Ozone PowerPack Parawing is out!

BWalnut

1071 posts

10 Feb 2026 11:07am

Agreed, that does not look friendly!

Reply in Topic: Any news on F-One's new masts?

BWalnut

1071 posts

10 Feb 2026 11:07am

Gotta rip that bandaid off sooner or later. I would love to know the inside conversation around if this is the best design from a business, or performance standpoint.

Specifically, was the decision aimed at picking a design with zero warranty issues and sacrificing a bit of performance? When I think of the future of foiling I see little opportunity for the fuse to get slimmer on the code, axis, lift, c9, mortise and tenon design. I thought KT going triple AFS style joint was super forward thinking and expected to see more of that in the future.

Reply in Topic: Ozone PowerPack Parawing is out!

BWalnut

1071 posts

9 Feb 2026 11:56pm

Omar (Maretasurf) seems to be frothing on the Power Packs:

?si=8xoqKTHoY1IbTcli

Reply in Topic: Wave foil setup

BWalnut

1071 posts

9 Feb 2026 12:11pm

Do you have some solid friends and are there popular local brands that you like? That can be a great way to go because you get first hand feedback.

Biggest thing I'd recommend is if you're switching, go with a brand that has a 13.5ish millimeter or thinner UHM mast. That will help a ton. AFS is my favorite and IMO F4 has some enticing options right now as well. Both brands have great masts as well as surf and DW foils.

Reply in Topic: Brm Paia

BWalnut

1071 posts

8 Feb 2026 12:32am

I've got a 3.1m Paia to try but I haven't gotten in the water with it yet. With water temps around 40f or 4.4c I don't like falling in without gloves on. We've had the wind though...

Playing with the Paia on the beach it's clear that it's different than a single skin and I don't want to go out in cold east wind conditions as my intro to that sail. So, I've just been using my old 2m hand wing to scratch the itch on windy days (strike v3 with infinite holes in the canopy).

After parawinging so much the 2nd half of 2025 getting back on a hand wing is wild. The power is so different and the ability to instantly go to true 100% depower is dreamy vs the parawing. You just have to reset your swell riding brain to remember that you have a dance partner to work with now.

March is when we start to get west winds again and that's when the Paia will get a shot. Also trying to get a demo on the 1.9m Hatch and by then the new Pocket Rocket will be releasing so there will be plenty of options to choose from and I'll definitely be excited to get it sorted out.

Reply in Topic: A quick rip on the new Sunova Coaster

BWalnut

1071 posts

8 Feb 2026 12:17am

Select to expand quote

flowstate said..

BWalnut said..

flowstate said.. onya B.
any insight how that angled bottom aft of the boxes improves takeoff and/or touchdowns??

I've been quite pleased with the Pilot as a solid upgrade in that realm vs the Carver. I think the pilot releases far better when you clip a rail than the Carver or Aviator did, that's my favorite thing about it. Aviator would track, Carver would bog, Pilot just lets go.

thanks!......so with some miles on the Pilot, what neutral volume Sunova would you buy now, say if you were headed to La Vent or Fiji?

1. Pilot (best deck and rails)
2. Carver (great shape to hide volume)
3. Aviator (fastest on the water)

You might have to go custom to get neutral on the Pilot because that board is designed for prone so the volume doesn't reach a lot of peoples neutral.

Reply in Topic: A quick rip on the new Sunova Coaster

BWalnut

1071 posts

2 Feb 2026 2:42pm

Select to expand quote

flowstate said.. onya B.
any insight how that angled bottom aft of the boxes improves takeoff and/or touchdowns??

Reply in Topic: "FRANK" New Para Wing Boards

BWalnut

1071 posts

2 Feb 2026 1:17am

Pictures please!

Reply in Topic: A quick rip on the new Sunova Coaster

BWalnut

1071 posts

1 Feb 2026 1:07am

Select to expand quote

Pasquales said.. The coaster looks like a knock off of the Frank mini darts.

Interesting take. I think they released around the same time and I think the coaster is a pretty natural extension of the other Marcus Tardrew shapes which are different from the Frank stuff.

Select to expand quote

Velocicraptor said.. Could be a great board but not really seeing a lot of similarity other than basic dims.

Agree. I don't see much similarity.

Reply in Topic: What makes a board "Parawing Certified"? Technical requirements and design essentials.

BWalnut

1071 posts

1 Feb 2026 1:01am

Select to expand quote

hilly said.. There is no perfect board. What I like will be totally different to what you like and that is good. Vive la difference

Agree!

Select to expand quote

eppo said.. Ideally it will reduce volume for given para size / weight of rider as volume equals eight given same materials. We all said this about DW boards 2-3 years ago and look how much they have evolved. Para and board evolution is guaranteed in the next 2 years until it reaches a point of finishing returns. They will also get specialised depending on the type of riding.

Boards have definitely come a long way. I guess I just see some of those gen 1 wing and DW boards as genuinely horrible while I don't see that with the stuff we are using now for parawing. I'm pretty stable at 4.75kgs as just right for my riding. Not sure I want to go any lighter, I like the feel of a little weight rail to rail.

No matter what, change and progression will happen, I'm just happy to be along for the ride.

Reply in Topic: What makes a board "Parawing Certified"? Technical requirements and design essentials.

BWalnut

1071 posts

31 Jan 2026 11:36am

Select to expand quote

eppo said..
disagree - they will evolve boards to suite parawing more. but for now yeh - any mid will do the job

How much better do we think they will get? What's the tangible change we predict?

I've been thinking about this a lot watching this thread unfold. If the perfect parawing board released tomorrow, would everyone be on lower volumes? Shorter lengths? Smaller sails? Or, will it be more of a small upgrade? A 5% easier but no significant alteration to dims and sails?

Reply in Topic: F4 orcas

BWalnut

1071 posts

27 Jan 2026 2:04am

Select to expand quote

AnyBoard said..

65kg The mast is very stiff. Definitely stiffer than my fone which was ahead of its time for thin and stiff. Its weird because I normally would have needed maybe the 1000x to support me in such low energy but the 1000 and 900 would have been too slow to keep going forward without pumping yet the 800 orca could just sit there. It's hard to say how much the mast contributes to this efficiency as I think the Fone mast is pretty efficient and smooth but the f4 felt quieter again.
The setup also felt nervous in a good way, ready to just roll left and right in a funny surfy feeling. To
me foiling has always felt like snowboarding more than surfing but this foil felt more surfy. The wind died after about 1.5 hours on foil unfortunately but I had felt enough to know it is time for a new feeling.

i ordered both the 800 and 685 Orcas and now wondering whether i should take the chance without a test ride and just get the get the 635 manta for prone.

Thanks for the rundown. It's pretty shocking the mast impact on speed range, at least for me. Not saying that's 100% the experience you're having but it's in there for sure. Once you've felt it your brain can't go back. Your weight seems like it makes you a good candidate for the AX mast that Sheps is on too.

Love hearing the Orcas are surfy too. I have friends with both Orcas and Mantas who vouch for either design. Please keep us posted if you add a Manta to the mix.

Reply in Topic: F4 orcas

BWalnut

1071 posts

26 Jan 2026 8:56am

Select to expand quote

AnyBoard said..
I had a ride on the 800 orca with the 13mm mast in some very small, low energy, but relatively fast moving bumps.

The 800 had better bottom end glide than my 900 eagle x and possibly close to the 1000x but accelerated noticeably faster with the slightest increase in energy. I didn't want to get a new system but I couldn't un-feel that.

I have ordered the 800 and the 685 after being on f1 for many years. Very impressive.

Awesome. Would you mind tossing out your kg's and thoughts on the 13mm mast?

Reply in Topic: A quick rip on the new Sunova Coaster

BWalnut

1071 posts

25 Jan 2026 11:47pm

Life your best life and get a custom Pilot!

Reply in Topic: Generic Foiling Podcast

BWalnut

1071 posts

25 Jan 2026 11:44pm

From time to time for sure. When I listen to a podcast it's usually Generic. I can't think of another I ever even bother pulling up TBH.

Reply in Topic: La Ventana?

BWalnut

1071 posts

25 Jan 2026 11:42pm

Select to expand quote

excav8ter said..
I've never been to Mexico, so I hope this isn't a stupid question. Is it safe to drink coffee from the little coffee shops I've seen on Google Maps? I was really looking forward to having a coffee from a local shop, on the beach in the morning while I am there. I've been told, basically, if you didn't open the container yourself, that you shouldn't drink it.

I've had zero issues drinking coffee down there. I've never drank the water and never been sick. Some friends had tacos with fresh washed veggies on their last trip to Bucerias and ended up worshipping the chocolate throne for 3 straight days.

Choose wisely.

Reply in Topic: What makes a board "Parawing Certified"? Technical requirements and design essentials.

BWalnut

1071 posts

24 Jan 2026 4:01am

I think "parawing certified" is a bit silly honestly. Not trying to be negative here but I think everyone will have their own board preferences and companies will always look to tweak wording for sales. At this point in time, with the parawings still early in their development, I think overspecializing on the board might be a mistake for buyers since we are still in the breakthrough phase of parawing development.

BWalnut forum posts in last 60 days

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

Know before you go

Download the Seabreeze app for
iOS or Android.

Weather

Activities

About

Support

BWalnut forum posts in last 60 days

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

BWalnut

Know before you go

Download the Seabreeze app foriOS or Android.

Weather

Activities

About

Support

Download the Seabreeze app for
iOS or Android.